Finalist for the 2021 Wade Trophy

[darkstar1]

If Hillmon and Smith switched places would Smith have those elevated stats playing for a Michigan against that competition? Likely.

Would Hillmon have Smith level stats playing at Baylor. Probably not.

More importantly, would each team‘s success levels be impacted? Yes. Michigan probably wins 1-2 more games and Baylor probably isn’t blowing teams out at current levels.

Stats are important but not the whole picture. If both players were in this year’s WNBA draft, 100 times out of 100 Smith is drafted #1 overall while Hillmon is a 2nd rounder. Draft stock isn’t the Be All End All for awards, but it is a useful tool.

This trophy is not about who projects to be a better pro. Otherwise there wouldn’t have been a debate between Phee and Gustafson, etc.

 

[Adriacus]

This trophy is not about who projects to be a better pro. Otherwise there wouldn’t have been a debate between Phee and Gustafson, etc.

Respectfully, not exactly correct. Too often voters simply look at stats [which often are misleading]. Draft status should be [but is not always] a look at the totality of the value of a player. Efficiency [both ends], impact on team efficiency, production against quality opponents. Granted, drafting is too often about potential rather than actuality.

Gustafson is a great example of voters simply looking at stats. Volume shooter created big scoring stats. Team did well until they reached a quality opponent. But in no reality was Gustafson the best player that year.

 

[maccca3232]

Here is an article by Her Hoops Stats on NPOY candidates. Are we surprised they included Paige and Caitlin in title?.

Were Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark the most valuable players statistically this season?

Breaking down this season's national player of the year candidates by Win Shares and Player Efficiency Rating

herhoopstats.substack.com

Interesting that some favor Hillmon in this award even though the consensus thus far for the Top 5 players has been Bueckers, Boston, Evans, Howard and Smith (listed alphbetically). Is it the underdog factor?

Exceptions were:
ESPN: Cunane over Howard
Wade: Hillmon over Boston

Interestingly no player in the Wade Trophy Finalists list is from the four No. 1 Seed teams, which defies the best player from the best team logic.

 

[Go/huskies]

How I’d rate them as draft picks

2021
Evans - #6 thru #8, although #4 may have been scouting her.

2022
Howard - #1
Smith - #2
Hillmon - #3

It will probably depend on the draft order next year, but I think Cunane will be taken 2nd overall.

 

[darkstar1]

Respectfully, not exactly correct. Too often voters simply look at stats [which often are misleading]. Draft status should be [but is not always] a look at the totality of the value of a player. Efficiency [both ends], impact on team efficiency, production against quality opponents. Granted, drafting is too often about potential rather than actuality.

Gustafson is a great example of voters simply looking at stats. Volume shooter created big scoring stats. Team did well until they reached a quality opponent. But in no reality was Gustafson the best player that year.

You make my point. My mantra is that stats are overrated.